spin-, spino-, spini-

A group of muscles connecting the vertebrae: The spinalis dorsi, the spinalis crevicis, and the spinalis capitis are three parts of the spinalis.

Any agent that increases the reflex activity of the spinal cord: Doug decided to take some spirant, recommended by his doctor, to boost the muscular contraction he needed for doing his exercises.

Descriptive of something which is thorn-shaped or has thorns: The wild rosebush, quite spinate and blossoming gorgeously, was outside Jane's home next to the white picket fence and kept away unwanted strangers because of the many needle-like protrusions on the stems.

The occurrence, development, or arrangement of spines on an organism: The spination on a horned toad, common in the American desert regions, is exemplified by the sharp pointed barbs or needle-like spikes which cover its flattened body.

1. Something which is similar to a backbone: A porcupine has many spines, like a ridge, following the top line of its body.
2. The vertebral column: Jack read in his biology book that the spine, or series of bones in a person's back, extends from the head to the pelvis, or from the head to the tail of an animal.
3. The pointed extension of the vertebra: The spines in triggerfish have the function of locking themselves into crevices in order to avoid being pulled out!

1. Referring to something without a backbone; invertebrate; without spurs, spikes or quills: The Garo spineless eel and the spineless forest lizard are examples of two spineless creatures!
2. Concerning a person who is weak in courage, willpower, energy, or vigour: Janet grew up with a mother who was quite dominant and a father who was spineless and accepted everything his wife wanted to be done.

Concerning plants that have thorns and spines: Such spinescent plants have leaf, root, or stem modifications with stiff ends, like rose prickles, and have the function of discouraging or hindering animal consumption.

A small compact harpsichord with only one manual: The spinet is a musical instrument which has only one keyboard and only one string per key or note.

Bearing spines, especially of plants; spiny; thorny: When little Ivy was outside in the garden and enjoying the plants, she came across a spiniferous one which pricked her finger when she touched the stem.

Resembling or shaped like a spine: Tom went to the barber shop and came out with a new spiniform style with the top part combed up high into a thorn shaped ridge!

Regarding the movement away from the spinal cord: A spinifugal, or efferent, nerve is one that sends impulses away from the central nervous system to the legs or arms of a person.

Concerning plants that bear thorns or spines: A rose bush can be considered to be a spinigerous plant having such needlelike protrusions extending out from its stem.

The condition of being enveloped with thorns: The spininess of the cactus kept many animals away from it!

Concerning nerve-impulses moving from the outer parts of the body toward the spinal cord: The spinipetal, or afferent, nerve is one that transfers messages or impulses from the legs and arms towards the central nervous system.

A small area covered with trees: a copse: The spinney behind Jim's garden was a wonderful place to protect the game birds.